Disrespectful people

[hostage]

I was walking down the dock on my Marina and I noticed a center console fishing boat, which was fairly dirty. As I walked by I noticed empty bear cans scattered all over on the deck a long with an faded American flag just laying on the deck with other gear. It kind of bugged me seeing the flag laying like it was trash with empty cans.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Disrespectful people

They could do better than that, but then, lots of folks could!

 

[aspeck]

Re: Disrespectful people

Their property, they can do as they please, but the American flag is a representation of MY country ... so they may OWN it, but it represents ME. Disrespect it, and you disrespect ME. I, agree with you, and take it personally. If you own a flag, treat it with respect. If you are not going to do that, give the flag to someone who will!

 

[Thad]

Re: Disrespectful people

The way I feel about it may anger some people, but then again, I don't care.

I am a proud veteran and come from a family of proud veterans of several generations.

I was taught, and to this day believe, that even though "you" may have purchased that flag, "you" do not own it nor what it represents. It is an honor to have and to display the colors.

I can honestly say that I would have removed the flag from the boat, folded it, and taken it the the American Legion.

I have seen flags that were beyond their life or just flat out disprespected. I have had no problem letting an individual know that it is time for a new one, and even offered to take it for them. Some people are not aware and others do not care. The people who are unaware are most always grateful for having it pointed out to them and take care of it. For the people who do not care, I have in the past, and will not hesitate in the future, to remove that flag myself and treat it with the respect that it deserves and that I have for it.


OK, now that that rant is over...Some things just hit a nerve. This is one that will do it every time.

 

[hostage]

Re: Disrespectful people

I am not sure if the boat was anyones from the Marina, may have been someone who docked it there to go eat at the restaurant. It stood out since it was so dirty. I should have said something to the dock master. Though the last thing I would want to do is have some drunk fisherman try to start a fight with me since I went on his boat to get a flag. I didn't know how to address that situation at that particular moment.

On the other hand how should you properly store a US flag on a boat? I was thinking of getting one attached to my light pole. I know how you normally fold a normal US flag, though they do seem a bit small to fold.

 

[Thad]

Re: Disrespectful people

On the other hand how should you properly store a US flag on a boat? I was thinking of getting one attached to my light pole. I know how you normally fold a normal US flag, though they do seem a bit small to fold.

The important thing here is to remove the flag from the light pole at sunset. Or do what I have done.

I have a flag pole that fits into the receiver for my light pole. Since you will most likely never fly the flag and need the light at the same time. (This does not hold true to vessels leaving or entering port.)

I have retaining clips under my engine hatch for the light pole and the flag pole. At sunset, if I am still out, I remove the pole, roll the flag around it, and then cover the flag. Then put it away until the next time out. Then put the light pole in.

I have a buddy who has a short pole that he mounts on the swim deck. He rolls his up, covers it, and places it in the glove compartment. I think that is acceptable.

The important thing to remember is to keep the lowest point of the flag high enough that it does not touch the boat. Also, please be sure to cover the flag to protect it from dust, dirt, debris, etc. I think where it is stowed on the boat is not as important as how.

 

[JB]

Re: Disrespectful people

Boat owner was probably frightened off when the bears got out of all those bear cans and just dropped the flag in his flight.

I share y'all's outrage about lack of respect for the flag. Owning Old Glory doesn't make one a patriot any more than owning a Bible makes one a priest.

In my Great Grandfather's diary is a narrative about the rescue of Martin Costa from the Austrian Fleet in 1854 by his ship. He closes the story with, "Hurrah for the Stars and Stripes!!". That is what our flag has meant to generations of American seamen and why it is due reverence today.

Keep the tempers and language in check, gents, or this will go poof.